I also have a Kanters catalog. I have nothing against them but I wanted to support Plydo because they're the little guy and without them us Mopar rodders would be SOL. Yeah, they sell the Fatman kits and some other stuff that they get from somewhere else but they are the ONLY place for specialized brackets, mounts, etc. I'd rather pay a few extra bucks than not support them and wish they were still in business a year from now. Their customer service is excellent and I get their parts within 48 hours to my door.

As for the flathead vs V8 power, the gas prices and intended use should be considered. If our rod was just for me and my wife, I'd have kept the flathead and hopped it up. The car actually is a father - son priject with my 17 y/o so he has a preference for V8 power. flat black rat rod style, etc.

Parts are surprising easy to get for the 218 flathead. Stock horsepower of about 85 can be doubled with some reasonable and available mods: Petronix ignition and 12V conversion, split exhaust (3 into 1), dual carbs and higher compression, custom cam grind. This will give you a torquey efficient motor perfect for the street and with very good fuel economy. I'd probably swap the rear for a higher rear like 3.73 instead of the 4.10 that is stock.